DreamWorks Animation – 18 Cinema Lane

On this day in 2000, The Road to El Dorado made its official debut. While the movie didn’t meet or exceed DreamWorks’ expectations, it certainly found an audience, which stuck with the film for all these years. I once heard The Road to El Dorado was intended to be the first story in a trilogy. But fate decided it worked better as a stand-alone picture. This caused me to think about the other stand-alone movies I’ve come to love. So, in honor of The Road to El Dorado’s 25^th anniversary, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the top ten best stand-alone films! For my list, the criteria for a stand-alone film is not only a title that didn’t receive a sequel, but also isn’t affiliated with a series/franchise. If I covered a film on 18 Cinema Lane, I will provide a link to that article or review in this list. Each title will be presented in order of release year and each choice is based on my opinion.

*The Road to El Dorado* poster created by Dreamworks Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and DreamWorks Distribution

**1. Singin in the Rain (1952)**

I start my list with a classic I was introduced to because of my blog. Now that I have finally seen Singin in the Rain, I have an understanding and appreciation for why the movie is so beloved. Gene Kelly’s iconic musical number, “Singin in the Rain”, should provide enough explanation for why you should check the film out! The number itself feels immersive, as it takes place within the story’s context. Gene adds uniqueness to the number by jumping and splashing in puddles. “Singin in the Rain” successfully represents the spirit of the film, while also delivering the message of seeing the good in a not-so-good situation. That number is just one reason why Singin in the Rain is a solid musical!

Watching ‘Singin in the Rain’ for the First Time

**2. Ben-Hur (1959)**

If you’re going to watch any classics, you have to see 1959’s Ben-Hur! Though the three-hour run-time can seem intimidating, that time flew by for me, as I was so engrossed in the story. The emotional intensity of Charlton Heston’s, Stephen Boyd’s, and Haya Harareet’s performance complimented the scope of the overall film. Ben-Hur contains other likable qualities as well, from the magnificent sets/scenery to the interesting cinematography. How Christianity/faith was incorporated into the story sets the 1959 production apart from other “sword and sandal” pictures. Those who celebrate Easter may find Ben-Hur an appropriate seasonal title.

Take 3: Ben-Hur (1959) Review + 60 Follower Thank You

**3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1963)**

While the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, received a sequel, the film adaptation did not. The 1963 movie presents one of the few times where, in my opinion, the film was better than its source material. Getting straight to the point a lot sooner was a main focus for the creative team. The film’s visual nature worked in the favor of certain elements from the book. Showing suspenseful moments from the source material makes those moments seem real, as well as intensifies uncertainty. Leaving out scenes that feel like padding helps the movie maintain a steadier pace.

Take 3: To Kill a Mockingbird Review

**4. The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)**

When I first saw The Boy Who Could Fly, it subverted my expectations. That’s because the 1986 picture aged surprisingly well! Through Milly and Eric’s friendship, the script shows how people with Autism can create and maintain meaningful relationships. Helping someone with Autism based on their personal preferences and accommodations may have seemed ahead of its time back in the mid to late ‘80s. Timeless messages and themes make up one of the reasons why I love the 1986 film. Showing compassion for others, dealing with grief, and understanding people’s differences take center stage.

Take 3: The Boy Who Could Fly Review (PB & J Double Feature Part 2)

**5. The Bodyguard (1992)**

In 2022, I wrote an editorial explaining why The Bodyguard held up thirty years later. Because I love the 1992 film, finding explanations wasn’t difficult. “The kitchen scene” is, in my opinion, the best scene from any action movie. One reason why is how the kitchen’s smaller space is seen by the actors as a challenge instead of a hindrance. What also worked in The Bodyguard’s favor was Whitney Houston’s portrayal of Rachel Marron. Throughout the story, Whitney realistically showcases emotions and expressions. This helped Rachel become a multi-layered character.

I Will Always Love You: ‘The Bodyguard’ at 30

*The Boy Who Could Fly* poster created by Lorimar Motion Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Image found at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090768/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0.

**6. Swept from the Sea (1998)**

Swept from the Sea was one of the earliest hidden gems I discovered in 2019. It’s a movie that’s so great, I just had to include it on this list. There are so many things to like about Swept from the Sea. From Vincent Perez’s captivating performance to the beautiful scenery, the film’s components came together to create an endearing and emotional presentation! The 1998 film is a character-driven story, relying on on-screen chemistry in order to work. Because of Vincent Perez’s and Rachel Weisz’s differing acting styles, the on-screen chemistry between Yanko and Amy was very sweet and genuine.

Take 3: Swept from the Sea Review (A Month Without the Code — #8)

**7. Phantom of the Megaplex (2000)**

This is another movie I just had to include on my list. But this time, it’s because Phantom of the Megaplex is also celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year! The Disney Channel picture showed that the movie-going experience can be fun. As I explained in my editorial celebrating the film’s 20^th anniversary, the made-for-TV movie also serves as a time capsule of how the cinema operated in the beginning of the millennium. Phantom of the Megaplex even shows how movies can influence our lives. Though I’m not sure if that aspect of the story was intentional, it makes the 2000 title, somewhat, thought-provoking.

‘Phantom of the Megaplex’ at 20: A Reflection on the Movie-Going Experience

**8. I Am David (2004)**

I Am David was the biggest pleasant surprise of 2024. It became the year’s best movie in March and stayed number one until the very end! What set I Am David apart was the film’s genuine emotion and sincerity. This was seen and felt through every aspect of the production. The 2004 movie emphasized visual depth. Achieved by exploring light and darkness, as well as showcasing Europe’s natural landscape, the creative team used the visual nature of film to their project’s advantage. Two effective plot twists are another reason why I liked I Am David. Their delivery in the story was well-written.

Take 3: I Am David Review (Double Feature: 2004 Edition Part 1)

**9. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)**

This 2011 presentation is one of Studio Ghibli’s stronger projects. A reason is one of the overarching themes; honoring the past. The film intelligently and creatively shows its audience how important history is in our lives and our world. Whether referencing the 1964 Olympics or focusing on the characters’ relationships, the theme of honoring the past acts as an umbrella sheltering Poppy Hill and its surrounding areas. Studio Ghibli’s signature colorful palette is consistently on display in the 2011 film. The strong understanding for how and when to use color makes scenes look like priceless pieces of art! Personally, I think movies like From Up on Poppy Hill present an argument why 2-D animation still has its time and place.

Take 3: From Up on Poppy Hill Review + 200 Follower Thank You

**10. The Wild Robot (2024)**

I think it’s fitting to close this list with a DreamWorks movie, as a DreamWorks movie is the reason why I created this list in the first place. Though this was a recent watch for me, The Wild Robot is, so far, the best film I’ve seen this year! The animation itself is absolutely gorgeous! Sometimes, scenes look like paintings and other times, they look like priceless photographs. I was not expecting the story to contain as much emotional depth as it did. An abundance of good messages and themes add a sense of timelessness to the production. Though it’s unknown right now if The Wild Robot will gain an audience like The Road to El Dorado has, I can confidently say it was a really good movie!

*Phantom of the Megaplex* poster created by the Walt Disney Company and Disney Channel. © Disney•Pixar. All rights reserved. Disney XD© Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Before the end of November, I received 160 followers on 18 Cinema Lane! As I usually do when this occasion takes place, I take the time to thank all my followers for choosing to support me, my blog, and my blogging journey. My way of thanking them is by dedicating a movie review to each and every one of them. For this post, I have chosen a movie that was released in November of 2006. Since I haven’t talked about an animated film in three months, I decided to talk about a film called Flushed Away. This is a movie that I have heard of, but never seen. Prior to watching this film, I was aware of Aardman Animations, the studio responsible for Flushed Away. That’s because they have an animation style that is different from other studios. When I was looking for images to feature in this review, I discovered that, in the Chinese New Year, 2020 will be the Year of the Rat! So, talking about Flushed Away before the start of a new decade now makes a lot of sense.

Flushed Away poster — *Flushed Away* poster created by Aardman Animations, DreamWorks Animation, and Paramount Pictures. Image found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flushed_poster.jpg

Things I liked about the film:

The animation: In Flushed Away, I found the animation style to be visually appealing for a number of reasons. The first is how realistic some of the animation looked, such as the bricks in the sewer and anytime water is shown. Another aspect is the color palette that is used in the film. One of the movie’s most memorable locations, the sewer city, was filled with bright hues. This added to the visual appeal of the scenes where this area was featured. The sewer city also showcased interesting and creative elements, like a Ferris Wheel made out of teacups. What I also found interesting in this film was how the characters were created. Aardman Animations has a very distinct style that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. However, I’m more familiar with this animation style appearing in stop-motion films. Flushed Away’s creative team used computer technology to construct their project. I found it fascinating to see this unique animation style incorporated in a different cinematic format.

The “Easter Egg” humor: Sometimes, in cinema, screenwriters will include “Easter Eggs” in their story in an attempt to delight and humor their audience. This was a pleasant surprise to find within Flushed Away! The jokes that were brought into the movie using this “Easter Egg” method were clever and genuinely funny. One example is when Roddy is falling down into the sewer system. During this process, Roddy comes across a small fish that asks him if he has seen his dad. This is meant to reference Finding Nemo, a movie that was released three years prior. Because of how well this type of humor was executed, this helped me maintain my focus in the film.

The overarching message: In some children’s/family-friendly films, there are times when a message can feel heavy-handed or preachy. I didn’t feel that way about the overarching message in Flushed Away. The idea that “everybody needs somebody” was written into the story very intelligently and subtly. It was also visually showcased through the use of situations and character choices as well as through dialogue. This choice to present the message in a “show and tell” style was handled better than if it was just verbally explained to the audience. The incorporation of this message showed that the creative team made an effort to put heart in their project.

3106809 — Chinese New Year — Year of the Rat image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/watercolor”>Watercolor vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

The plot: Flushed Away is about a rat who is trying to return home. While this sounds like a simple story, I found the film’s overall narrative to be too simplistic. Even though there were other plots featured in the movie, I also found those to be on the simpler side. Because of this, it made the story feel like there was very little intrigue. It also made it difficult for me to stay fully invested in what was happening on screen.

The villain: Yet, another film I’ve recently reviewed where I didn’t like the villain. In the case of Flushed Away, I not only found the villain, The Toad, to be poorly written. I also found him to be unconvincing. Similar to what I said about Blair from The Nine Lives of Christmas, The Toad came across as one-dimensional. He also never felt like a legitimate threat to the protagonist and his friend, Rita. Both Roddy and Rita outsmart him and his henchmen every time, causing the villain to not be as powerful as the film’s creative team wanted us to think. If anything, The Toad just appears to be a goofier version of Governor Ratcliffe from Disney’s Pocahontas.

Some of the humor: While I liked the “Easter Egg” humor of this film, there was other humor that I was not a fan of. This came in the form of “gross-out” humor and injury related humor. To me, the “gross-out” humor felt it was there just for the sake of being there. Meanwhile, the injury related humor happened too consistently. There was one character that constantly got hurt throughout the story. However, I never found any of these moments to be funny. I know that comedy is a very subjective thing. But this kind of humor, at times, took me of the film.

OQECW90 — Sketch of London image created by Archjoe at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-houses-of-parliament_1133950.htm’>Designed by Archjoe</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Archjoe – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

Before I share my thoughts on Flushed Away, I want to thank all of my followers for supporting 18 Cinema Lane! 2019 has been a great year for the blog. Part of that is because of my readers, followers, and visitors. Ok, now it’s time to share my overall impression of this film. Personally, I thought it was just ok. In Flushed Away, there were components that I liked seeing, such as the animation and the overall message. But there were aspects that held Flushed Away back from reaching its full potential. Just one example is how the overall plot was too simplistic for my liking. As I’ve said before, comedy and film are subjective. Yes, I enjoyed the “Easter Egg” style of humor. But I did not like the “gross-out” and injury related humor. While I think there are better animated films than Flushed Away, there are definitely worse children’s/family friendly films than this one. No matter the style or format of the animated project, I will continue to do my best at presenting the best movie reviews I can offer.

Overall score: 6 out of 10

What are thoughts on my blogging journey so far? Which review of mine has been your favorite? Tell me what you think in the comment section!